Principal Systems Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (OTS) is a global leader in the design, engineering and production of munitions, energetics, weapons, armaments, and missile subsystems around the world. OTS empowers the U.S. military and its allies with an extensive range of product segments applied across all levels of strategic and tactical operations, providing a cutting‑edge advantage to our warfighters. Our Ethos of Honesty, Trust, Transparency, and Alignment form the foundation of everything we do. Integrity is paramount, innovation fuels our passion, customer satisfaction is at the core of our mission, and collaboration is key to our success—fostering a culture of teamwork and mutual respect among employees, partners, and stakeholders. Whether you’re just starting out on your career journey or are an experienced professional, we offer a robust total rewards package that goes above and beyond with compensation, healthcare, wellness, retirement, and work/life benefits that include career development and recognition programs. If what we are and what we do resonates with you, we invite you to join our high‑performance team.

We are looking for a Principal Systems Engineer to join our engineering team to lead the development of precision guidance technologies. The Principal Systems Engineer will work with internal & external stakeholders to develop and maintain system and subsystem architectural models, perform Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) simulation, define requirements and verification methods, and manage risk for guided munition programs. In this role, you will collaborate with program managers and technical leads to balance technical scope with cost, schedule, resources, and risk. Using a MBSE approach, you will recommend system engineering tools, define processes, and lead continuous improvement activities. This role supports business development in drafting proposals and collaborates on internal R&D strategies.

• Requires specialized depth and/or breadth of expertise in own job discipline or field
• Uses advanced techniques, theories, and processes to complete work
• Leads others to solve complex problems
• Works independently, with guidance in only the most complex situations
• May lead functional teams or projects
• Consistent exercise of discretion & judgment

• Responsible for the overall systems infrastructure including engineering, implementation and integration, and technical services and support.
• Designs, implements, installs, maintains, and administers infrastructures including hardware, software, and various configurations.
• Monitors overall performance to proactively identify potential issues and tune appropriately.
• Performs root cause analysis on failed components and implements corrective measures.
• Works with others to establish and improve processes and procedures.
• May have sole responsibility for projects and participate in disaster recovery exercises.

• Requirements management, analysis & definition
• MBSE
• Generating technical documents, presentation material
• Tech briefings
• Risk management, tech POC for key suppliers
• Root cause analysis & corrective actions
• FMEA experience at system & component levels

• Required education and experience: Associate's Degree and 8–10 years’ experience
• Discipline/Major: Engineering degree required
• Computer skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

• Preferred education and experience: Bachelor's Degree
• Knowledge, skills & abilities: Technical expertise, analytical thinking skills, problem‑solving skills, 7+ years experience in Systems Engineering, strong planning, execution & multitasking skills, high degree of analytical aptitude with strong problem‑solving skills, performing a variety of complex tasks using experience & judgment, managing quickly changing priorities while meeting deadlines

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position at a desk and/or computer for extended periods of time.
• Requires regular movement throughout GD‑OTS facilities.
• Work primarily in a climate‑controlled environment with minimal safety/health hazard potential.
• Work may require the employee to work inside and outside with exposure to changing climate and/or operate machinery.

Up to 25% travel likely.

$137,400 - $185,800

The salary range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum for salary for this position. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, internal equity, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the range during the hiring process.

• Medical, dental, vision, short and long‑term disability, and basic life insurance
• Pre‑tax spending accounts
• 401(k) plan
• Non‑contributory retirement contribution
• Voluntary benefits: Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Identity Theft Protection, Enhanced Legal Services, Auto and Home Insurance, Pet Insurance, Commuter Benefits, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Educational Assistance

Employees will receive 11 paid holidays and 120 hours of PTO annually and up to 3 weeks paid family leave.